Unemployment remains at 9.7% in February

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that the unemployment rate stayed 9.7% in February with 36,000 jobs being lost. The net loss of jobs suggests that many people have given up looking for work. Severe weather in much of the country might have affected employment in February.

Let’s breakdown the numbers:

The unemployment rate for high school drop outs was 15.6%, up from 15.2% in January.

5.0% of college graduates were unemployed.

The jobless rate for high school graduates was 10.5%.

10.0% of men 20 and over were unemployed.

Women 20 and over had an unemployment rate of 8.0%. up from 7.9% in January.

25.0% of 16 to 19 year olds were unemployed, down from 26.4% in January.

Jobless rate amongst whites was 8.8%, up from 8.7% in January.

15.8% of blacks were jobless, down from 16.5% in January.

The unemployment rate of college graduates increased from January. College graduates continue to enjoy the lowest unemployment rate of the listed groups.